2012 stallone and timbers took the italian stallion to europe and after a successful two-year run in germany -- >> this is show number 56. did you know that? >> oh, my gosh. >> reporter: "rocky" is on broadway. >> still feels like we just recently opened. it's great. the set's still, like -- i guess looking kind of run down as it's supposed to. this is rocky's apartment right here. >> reporter: at 35 alex timbers is already a veteran of broadway drawing a claim for shows ranging from "bloody bloodsy andrew jackson" to the pee-wee herman show. still, timbers was an underdog to lead rocky's revival. when you were diving into this project, had you seen the "rocky" movies? >> no i hadn't seen it. >> reporter: how did you do that? how did you come prepared if you hadn't seen the movie? >> an asset. treat the script by a dramatic text. spent pictures pulling this is what boxers look like what philadelphia looks like. i came in and said, this is what my version of "rocky" based on your script would be. >> reporter: this week "rocky" was nominated for four tony a awards including best actor for his